Three years since construction work began, a major bridge in Umpling will finally be made operational by the end of March.
The construction site was the focus of the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee inspection today. Committee chairperson Charles Pyngrope and members Himalaya Shangpliang, Cominone Ymbon and Nujorki Sungoh were all present.
Pyngrope informed the press following the inspection that he reviewed ongoing projects with officials from the Public Health Engineering and Public Works Departments. These projects included the double lane bridge that will connect Shillong to New Shillong via Umpling and the Nongrah water supply scheme and roadworks in that neighbourhood.
The Covid-19 pandemic delayed work on the projects but, otherwise, Pyngrope expressed satisfaction with the progress. Despite the delays, the state exchequer has not had to bear an increase in cost; the bridge’s budget is Rs 4.35 crore.
On the Nongrah water supply scheme, which aims to benefit more than 2,000 homes, the committee chairperson said that it should become functional by the end of the year. The scheme was sanctioned in 2017-18 but has experienced hurdles, as the site for the raw water sump was comprised of solid rock, which slowed the work down.
